Mahfuz Hoq, MD, medical director, Care Coordination, notes the latest reference for excisional debridement is from Coding Clinic, First Quarter 2013, page15: Terms excisional or excised are required. Direction is that “Coders cannot assume that the debridement of bone, fascia or muscle is always excisional. If the debridement is not specified as excisional, assign code 8628, non-excisional debridement of wound, infection, or burn.” This article also advises that providers must assure that documentation used to support excisional debridement clearly describes the procedure, says Dr. Hoq.